Headlining the fight card, UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway was granted a chance to defend his title. Of course, the champion would end up facing a rather unexpected opponent inside the octagon.

Holloway was initially scheduled to face off against former UFC lightweight champion Frankie Edgar for the night’s main event. However, Edgar was pulled from the title fight after suffering an injury. Former UFC featherweight champion and former opponent Jose Aldo decided to step up on short notice and accept an offer to fight for the title once more.

“Scarface” and Max Holloway first faced off at UFC 212. Aldo was the reigning champion at the time, but Holloway was on a war path to unify his interim title. The two MMA warriors battled it out for the belt, but Holloway ultimately earned a TKO victory over his opponent. At UFC 218, the result was much of the same.

Aldo and Holloway went toe-to-toe once again for UFC 218, with the fight once again never making it to the championship rounds. For the second time in a row, Holloway earned a third round TKO victory over the former champion. Now Jose Aldo has come forward with a statement concerning his recent loss. Addressing his fans over Instagram, Aldo had the following to say concerning his recent loss (translated):

“I just have to thank for everything my family that I love, my team, the best in the world “New Union” for making me great and champion to friends and fans who are always with me, thank you all!
I will always be optimistic, because believing is the first step to making it happen !!”